They love you more when you’re dead | Michael Jackson tributes or pimping his death?
July 1, 2009
Jay-Z said “They say they never really miss you til you dead or you gone,” in “December 4th” and i think that’s the best anyone could have ever said it. But is it really love? Is it a tribute? Or simply piggy backing on the buzz? If you know anything about buzz marketing, piggy backing on something already in the media spotlight is an easy marketing plan in itself.
I’ve always wondered how much of it is love and how much of it is business. When B.I.G. died, and Diddy released one of his biggest hits to death, a Notorious B.I.G. tribute in “I’ll Be missing You” how much of it was paying tribute to a lost friend VS the obvious monetary advantages of post death releases. Everyone knows dead artists to mulit-platinum. Note the rising sales of anything Michael Jackson after his death, in some cases leaving stores with empty shelves where MJ albums might have collected dust just last week.
So with Joe Jackson calling press conferences not to announce funeral plans but to make known his plans to start a label, along side the crook known as Al Sharpton (never trust a man with a perm, and never trust a man with a drawn on mustache who stands next to a man with a perm), you have to wonder why, and why now? I DEFINITELY think he’s guilty of pimping his son, again! He’s riding the buzz created by the death of Mike, and it stinks, stinks to high hell if you ask me.
But does it stop there? So the BET Awards. Tribute? or Pimping? I think we all agree that they could have been better, for whatever reason. Some say the time constraints didn’t allow for great tributes, while others say they really had no intention of producing good tributes. I believe they did it for the ratings. 
What about the t-shirt vendors and peddlers selling R.I.P. shirts alongside their Lakers 2008-2009 championship shirts they pressed up two weeks ago. And the many remixes, tribute songs, and mixtapes that will inevitably be released in the coming days and weeks. Tribute or Pimping? How many of them truly loved the man and how many of them are opportunists using yet another event to keep their name in the streets?
What do you all feel about: 50 Cent, Lil Wayne Classics Fused With Michael Jackson’s On New Mixtape
“Michael’s death was surprising — everyone was in a state of shock, and as we here at MTV News worked to compile two specials to celebrate the life and legacy of Jackson, Mixtape Daily went on a short hiatus. But we’re back today and ready to continue the celebration of Jackson’s life and work. Two talented producers, Cookin’ Soul, checked in from the studio and showed us how they laid it down on their Tribute to the King mash-up mixtape.” Check out the rest
My arguments stems from the fact that if there is money to be made how can you tell if its a heartfelt tribute and not just some monetary ploy? Personally and honestly i think that most of you are full of sh*t [forgive my language, but im angered by this]. I think most of the so called fans only now love Mike because it seems like the politically correct thing to do, its what “in” right now, and whats popular is what creates attention, builds buzz and makes money.
Most of you probably talked bad about him, right along with the American media, called him every variation of a child molester, yet you now shed tears, you visit memorials, watch videos and leave comments stating how much you miss him. Bullsh*t! I know of a couple people who loved Mike before the death, who stuck up for Mike when harsh words were said, and those very people are true. But the bandwagon fans, and the artists who may have never met him and may have never been fans before his death…. So as we watch his album sales break records, listen to new remixes, download tribute songs and mixtapes i have to wonder how much of it is for MJ. He’s gone, what does it benefit him, seems to me that it benefits only those who use his name for THEIR gain. An honest tribute in my opinion is a free download, a youtube video, but i promise if i see it on iTunes, on an album, if you try and sell it to me a the mall for $5, or shoot a video and air it on BET, VH1, or MTV, call a press conference and announce a record label, or slip in a performance by wack ass New Edition doing a Jackson 5 rendition at an Awards show, ‘ima call it like i see it’ YOU ARE PIMPIN HIS DEATH! Gone…
2009 BET Awards Review
June 29, 2009
Wow what an opening to the 2009 BET Awards with New Edition(Bobby Brown included) rendition of “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5 staring Michael Jackson. It was only right a legendary group such as New Edition do a tribute to the Jackson 5 in memory of Michael Jackson. Awards show host Jammie Foxx came out in a great fashion with a rendition of his own of MJ’s “Beat It”. Foxx wore a red leather jacket with all zippers and bells with the glitter glove as well. With Foxx hosting the show it all worked out by design, if anybody can impersonate Mike its is definitely Jamie. Foxx reminded us all why we should take this time and celebrate the life of Michael Jackson.
The first award of he night went to Lebron James who won Best male athlete, Best Male Hip hop went to Lil Wayne. With the first performance of the night Kerri Hilson opened up with her hit single “Turnin Me Out” and progressed into “Knock Me Down” which is her latest hit single. Hilson brought an incredible stage presents with a rock pop chick look, definitely in honor of the King of Pop. Following Kerri’s performance Neyo followed up with “Lady of My Life” in tribute to MJ. Jammie Foxx and T Pain teamed together to perform their smash hit “Blame It”. It wouldn’t be a party if Uncle Snoop didn’t drop in and please believe he did just that adding excitement to the performance. Pain came draped with his platinum diamond chain titled “Big Ass Chain”(complete nergoism).
The Best Male R&B award was won by Neyo. Beyonce blessed the audience with a heartfelt performance with a beautiful stage set decked out with angel wings, the performance brought out a ton of emotion in memory of MJ. Gospel group Mary Mary gave the audience a special treat and a little bit of Jesus by performing “God In Me”. The audience was blessed with a special surprise feature on the song with Queen Latifah making a special appearance. Taraja P. Henson left the night with the best actress award and best female artist went to Kerri Hilson. Jamie Foxx along with Neyo performed “Her Own”, Neyo dressed appropriate with a MJ’ish leather white jacket to go along with red gloves. Jamie Foxx complemented his jacket with a black leather jacket of his own complete with the rhinestones, also featuring in the performance was the rapper Fabolous.
Neyo gave viewers a special treat when he brought out some of his favorite artist which included Keith Sweat who performed a few of his hit classics, the legendary 90’s group Guy, and Bel Biv DeVoe also performed their hit smashes. Ciara performed “A Better Place” in honor of MJ, unfortunately it was terrible song selection. Keyshia came with a solid performance and a pink aura, r&b singer Monica also featured in the performance. These two talented singers make a great combination on mic, they definitely should reward fans with more projects together.The best female r&b artist went to Beyonce. Jay Z performed his new hit drop “Death of Autotune”, this brought a serious hiphop element to the show. The significance of this performance can bring music artist who use Autotune to their knees.
What an appearance by Don Cornelius, the original host of Soul Train struggled over his words. May God Bless him, cocaine is a hell of a drug. Just say no kids. Mr. Cornelius never the less introduced Tevin Campbell, Tyrese, John Gill, and Trey Songs who did a huge tribute to the Ojays who received the BET Lifetime Achievement Award. Listening to these young brothers to a rendition of “Stair Way to Heaven” nearly brought tears to the eye. Eddie Levert of the group did turn my tears into laughter when he slipped and used an explicit word when describing old times with Michael Jackson. A special highlight of the night came when Alicia Keys was presented with the Humanitarian Lifetime Achievement award. Keys has done alot of work to help and improve life for families in need located in Africa. Wyclef received the male Lifetime Achievement award for his work in his homeland of Haiti. These two artist are extraordinary talents and regular people as well. It is good to hear artist of their status giving back to the people.
Overall the 2009 BET Awards show was a well run production. It has definitely improved as far as the quality. I am very pleased and proud to say African Americans as well as others were represented well. Special prayers goes out to the Jackson family. Michael Jackson may you Rest In Peace. You will forever be loved and your legacy will live on.
Farrakhan Speaks About BET’s Shows, American Gangsta, Obama and More
December 29, 2008
I just watched a clip (over at our good friends site WSHH) of Louis Farrakhan speaking on BET’s shows, American Gangster, Denzel Washington, Obama, and more. And I must say that I was extremely impressed with his speech. I have known alot of people over the years that have not been to fond of his speeches and with him being a Black Muslin leader or whatever but I honestly can say this brutha keeps it real. I can see why Farrakhan is seen as a threat in our country, he is informing blacks on issues that people want us to be oblivious to. I totally agree with him in saying that certain people in the industry are being used and selling out for the love of the money. These networks are using these celebrities and portraying us in the worse ways. We are represented in television and music as gangsters, thugs, drug dealers, ect. When in fact this is far from the truth in terms of who we are. Some who may watch this clip may not like what Farrakhan is saying but I personally think it needs to be said and his voice needs to be heard and blacks need to listen so that we can wake the fuck up. Be either way check out this clip and please give some feed back I would like to hear your opinions on what is being said.
B.E.T. – more harm than help? | Accurate dipiction of African Americans?
December 27, 2008
This has long been a debate, even before the moment Bob Johnson sold B.E.T. to Viacom. Has Black Entertainment Television been a help or a detriment to the image of Black America? A network that once had substance with shows like Teen Summit, but lacked the quality of major competitors, has now achieved that gloss but at the cost of the substance it once contained.
Who’s to blame? I blame Bob Johnson. Why? Simple. When he decided to sell, he started the network’s renovation which was the start to the B.E.T. you see now. This B.E.T. contains no Teen Summit, but what you will see is B.E.T. uncut. No more shows that empower the black man, the black woman, only Keyshia Cole and her Mama. (im sorry, i dont believe that, that is an image we need to feed the world. However real it may be something things need not be aired and rather, dealt with in secrecy.)
Over at Time2Man-up.com the same question was posed, as well as previous posts here at TheConcreteJournal
The question posed over at Time2Man-up was: Is BET Helping OR Harming The African American Community?:
“BET is the cancer of black manhood in the world, because they have one-dimensionalized and commoditized us into being a one-trick image. We’re [shown] throwing money at the camera and flashing jewelry at the camera that could give a town in Africa water for a year.”
I tend to agree that B.E.T. is more hurt than help. Your thoughts?
Goodbye Rapcity | Take B.E.T. with you… please?
October 3, 2008
So the once prestigious Rap City will soon be no more. I have seen this many time but didnt post it on purpose. B.E.T. progamming, in my opinion, is piss poor. But i was blog traveling and ended up leaving two nice comments regarding this over at PrepJerks.com which leads me to this post here. B.E.T. a poor reprentation fo US (African Americans, and the HipHop/RandB/Urban culture as a whole).
My first comment left stated:
someone should cancel BET altogether. I feel its got out of hand. Doesnt accurately depict the black lifestyle. I vote they take the B off of BET and end the bulls#!t…
Little white kids in rural/suburban America (who grow up to be politicians and police officers) think that what they see on TV is “black” and we get stereotyped as such. Not saying i agree with their bias’ but at the same time you gotta wonder where some of em get it from.
Sito (of prepjerks.com) led me to my next point, by stating that “its up to the people to change the shows by tuning into the shows that are positive.” Which is very on point, but, we are quiet enablers, and some of us see nothing wrong, which is a further indication of how lost we as a people have gotten. I then replied with:
Agreed. It definitely does come down to us, as viewers. But not all viewers are black though. I read a study once that said 90% of African American’s polled felt ‘urban’ music contained too much violence, sex, and materialism. BUT when polled regarding music sales, again, most said because of the rampant, violence, sex and materialism they do not support. YET they do not support those who speak positively i.e. Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, etc etc… WE do have buying power, but most dont know. It gets complicated though.
What the conclusion of the poll stated was that ‘white’ kids (im sure Asians, Persians, Hispanics, Arabs, and other races are included too) DO purchase the music and therefore WE get pumped full of those subjects which only continue to undermine and tear at our culture, and social structure.
Misogynistic lyrics tear at our image of the Black woman, the violence we deal with daily, or try not to deal with in our inner cites is only magnified by the song lyrics. Everyone is a hustla turned rapper. I MEAN EVERYONE, and so to have rap aspirations these kids feel the need to have BEEN or still BE hustlers, street cred i guess. So we get the shit end of the stick only because we are QUIET ENABLERS…
If we dont speak up, no one will….
If you remember, B.E.T. recently lost sponsorship due to the excessive violence and sex in its content. Whoever said “Money talks and…” well you get the point, was right. Hopefully they are right in this situation also. Hopefully B.E.T. will listen after having certain avenues cut off. Still, we have yet to voice our opinion. Either were are afraid or lazy and complacent, or we see nothing wrong. Welcome to Sodom and Gomorrah…
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